Ibini extends Mariners deal

Central Coast Mariners have beaten offers from rival A-League clubs to retain striker Bernie Ibini on a new two-year deal.

Having made his mark via standout performances for the Mariners in National Youth League, Ibini has cemented his place as one of the nations' top young talents.

In 17 matches for the Mariners this term Ibini has netted four times and made two assists – form which has made the 2011 Qantas Young Socceroos representative the target of a number of rival Hyundai A-League sides.

Mariners coach Arnold welcomed Ibini's signing but said the attacker still had plenty of work to do before he reached his potential.

"One thing that we tried to work on was getting our young boys re-signed and after Trent Sainsbury getting Bernie Ibini signed so quickly is fantastic for the club. Now he can just concentrate on football," Arnold said.

"Bernie's shown at the end of last season and this season the talent that he's got, but he's just got to get stronger and got to spend more minutes on the field playing every week against grown men."

"It's a great experience for him with the ACL coming up and that's going to develop him even more."

Ibini's re-signing adds to the Mariners' recent retention of left full back Joshua Rose and defender Sainsbury. Striker Mitchell Duke, midfielder Anthony Caceres and right side utility James Oates were also recently promoted to the Central Coast Mariners Hyundai A-League 2012/13 squad.